Goon days gone - The Orange Mane

Bronx33 · 11-02-2005, 10:05 AM

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL...85128-sun.html

These are the dark days for goons with fighting becoming a hollow exercise in the new-look NHL.

"You don't need them," Detroit Red Wings senior vice-president Jimmy Devellano said of the tough guys. "All they do is get you penalties."

If you scan NHL rosters, you'll find a deliberate trend. Fewer clubs see the need for someone whose sole function is to fight, including the Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche.

The day of the goon "is over already," Washington coach Glen Hanlon said. "I still love physical players and I love having them in my lineup but if you can't skate, you can't even get involved in the play."

For one thing, the avalanche of penalties means slow-footed players can't impede faster ones.

"The thing is, there have been so many penalties," Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff said. "If we go through eight, 10 minutes of penalties, who am I going to put out? It's not too likely I'm going to put out our tough guy. There's just not enough five-on-five play for a one-dimensional player any more."

The Leafs' Tie Domi has managed the transition, but goon Wade Belak probably doesn't have the skill to make the switch, and the same probably goes for Nathan Perrott.

"When division rivalries heat up," Ruff said, "I see it coming back, but right now, I don't see it."

Smiling Assassin27 · 11-02-2005, 02:13 PM

as i said, teams with top notch power plays don't need goons--their power play will be their goon.

Mtbrncofn · 11-02-2005, 03:06 PM

What a shame. I have a soft spot for watching the goons.

TomServo · 11-05-2005, 04:21 AM

when the Avs got on a roll it always sucked to see the momentum get sucked away because a goon picked a fight. i can see the fights going away.

11-02-2005, 10:05 AM	#1
Bronx33 lets go partner Rumpson Rocks Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Lakewood,Colo Posts: 41,221 Adopt-a-Bronco: Woodyard	Goon days gone http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL...85128-sun.html These are the dark days for goons with fighting becoming a hollow exercise in the new-look NHL. "You don't need them," Detroit Red Wings senior vice-president Jimmy Devellano said of the tough guys. "All they do is get you penalties." If you scan NHL rosters, you'll find a deliberate trend. Fewer clubs see the need for someone whose sole function is to fight, including the Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche. The day of the goon "is over already," Washington coach Glen Hanlon said. "I still love physical players and I love having them in my lineup but if you can't skate, you can't even get involved in the play." For one thing, the avalanche of penalties means slow-footed players can't impede faster ones. "The thing is, there have been so many penalties," Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff said. "If we go through eight, 10 minutes of penalties, who am I going to put out? It's not too likely I'm going to put out our tough guy. There's just not enough five-on-five play for a one-dimensional player any more." The Leafs' Tie Domi has managed the transition, but goon Wade Belak probably doesn't have the skill to make the switch, and the same probably goes for Nathan Perrott. "When division rivalries heat up," Ruff said, "I see it coming back, but right now, I don't see it."

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11-02-2005, 02:13 PM	#2
Smiling Assassin27 STOP! KIPER TIME! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: In a van down by the river Posts: 10,957 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	as i said, teams with top notch power plays don't need goons--their power play will be their goon.

11-02-2005, 03:06 PM	#3
Mtbrncofn Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Bigfork, MT Posts: 8,558	What a shame. I have a soft spot for watching the goons.

11-05-2005, 04:21 AM	#4
TomServo Ring of Famer Dancing is Forbidden! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,013	when the Avs got on a roll it always sucked to see the momentum get sucked away because a goon picked a fight. i can see the fights going away.